U.S. plans for larger presence in Pacific

http://www.armytimes.com/news/2012/04/navy-larger-pacific-presence-china-samuel-locklear-042112w/ U.S. plans for larger presence in Pacific By Gidget Fuentes - Staff Writer Posted : Saturday Apr 21, 2012 10:13:32 EDT The failed mid-April launch of a long-range North Korean rocket, billed as a satellite launch but widely seen as the test of a ballistic missile, was the latest reminder of how the Pacific region remains one of the world’s most volatile. It’s also a key focus of the Obama administration’s new national defense strategy. The military’s top officer in the Pacific, Adm. Samuel Locklear, describes the new focus as “back to the Pacific,” alluding to long-standing U.S. military presence and partnerships with Pacific Rim nations dating back before World War II. In practice, it means more Navy ships in the region, along with more Marines and soldiers, Locklear told an ...